Kedarnath Temple Opening Date 2026
Kedarnath Temple opened for devotees on 22 April 2026 at 8:00 AM. The opening date was announced on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri by the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee.
Every year, the temple opens around Akshaya Tritiya after the winter closure and remains accessible to pilgrims until the onset of winter in October or November.
| About | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple | Kedarnath, Uttarakhand |
| Opening Date | 22 April 2026, 08:00 am |
Kedarnath Temple Opening Date 2026 Latest Update
Opening Date: 22 April 2026 (Wednesday)
Opening Time: 08:00 AM
The opening date was officially announced on Mahashivratri at Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath, the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath. After traditional rituals and the Panchmukhi Doli Yatra, the temple doors will open for devotees on 22 April 2026.
Kedarnath Doli Yatra Schedule 2026
The Panchmukhi Doli of Lord Kedarnath travels from Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath to Kedarnath before the temple opens for the pilgrimage season.
- Day 1: The Panchmukhi Doli of Kedarnath Ji will start its journey from Omkareshwar Temple of Ukhimath. It will reach Vishwanath Temple at Guptkashi and will have overnight stay there.
- Day 2: The Kedarnath Doli will reach Phata from Guptkashi. It will stay overnight at Phata.
- Day 3: The Kedarnath Doli will leave for Gaurikund from Phata. It will stay overnight at Gaurikund.
- Day 4 The Doli journey will start from Gaurikund to reach Kedarnath Dham via Junglechatti, Bhimbali, Rambada, Lincholi, and Rudra Point.
- Day 5 - Kedarnath Opening Day: The Panchmukhi Doli will reach Kedarnath Temple early in the morning. After traditional Vedic rituals performed by Rawal and temple priests, the temple doors will open for devotees at 8:00 AM.
Kedarnath Temple Darshan and Aarti Timings
| Kedarnath Temple | Duration (Timings) |
|---|---|
| Morning Opening & Aarti Timing | 04:00 AM – 07:00 AM |
| Morning General Darshan Time | 07:00 AM – 03:00 PM |
| Temple Closed (Afternoon) | 03:00 PM – 05:00 PM |
| Evening Aarti Timing | 06:00 PM – 07:30 PM |
| Evening General Darshan Time | 05:00 PM – 07:00 PM |
Kedarnath Temple Closing Date 2026
The closing date of Kedarnath Temple for the 2026 pilgrimage season has not been announced yet.
Traditionally, the temple closes on the auspicious occasion of Bhai Dooj, two days after Diwali. The official closing date will be declared by the temple committee after Vijayadashami.
Expected Closing Period: Late October or early November 2026.
Why Kedarnath Temple Closes During Winter
Kedarnath Temple is situated at an altitude of about 3,583 metres in the Garhwal Himalayas. Heavy snowfall and harsh weather make the shrine inaccessible during winter.
Before winter begins, the idol of Lord Kedarnath is ceremonially shifted to Omkareshwar Temple at Ukhimath, where worship continues throughout the winter season.
- Heavy snowfall blocks the trekking route.
- Sub-zero temperatures make the region unsafe.
- Road connectivity is affected during winter.
- Regular worship continues at Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath.
